Search This Blog

Mar 19, 2018

Mar 18, 2018

All pics by Lloyd Images. Report & photos sent by Extreme Sailing Series media. Terrific shot of Alinghi above. I watched a bit the Live stream and continues to impress me how stable the GC32 is. Later images & results of the Flying Phantom series held in the same venue/event. Official ESS web extremesailingseries.com
------------------------
-----------------------Alinghi crowned champions of 2018 Extreme Sailing Series™ Act 1, Muscat as SAP Extreme Sailing Team fall at the final hurdle
- Oman Air win the Zhik Speed Machine Trophy for reaching the Act's top speed of 30 knots, an insight provided by SAP
- Flying Phantom Series sees talented Team France Jeune finish on top of the podium
Three-time Extreme Sailing Series™ champions Alinghi were crowned winners of the opening Act of the 2018 Series today, their first win in Muscat in their eight-year history in the event.

After four days of consistently strong sailing in Oman, the Swiss team extended their lead on the fleet of super-fast foiling GC32s, closing the Act with a six-point lead.

Consisting of experienced Series sailors Arnaud Psarofaghis, Nicolas Charbonnier, Nils Frei, Yves Detrey and Timothé Lapauw – the team sailed unchanged from last year. It proved a magic formula that saw the Swiss squad finish second in the Act's final race, worth double points.

Co-skipper and helm, Arnaud Psarofaghis, was elated as his team stepped off the water. "We gave it our all on that last one and it paid off. We knew the Act would end in that final race, and we're really happy. It's the only time we beat SAP Extreme Sailing Team today, but it was the right time to do it," he said.

Locked in a fierce battle with the Swiss, Danish-flagged SAP Extreme Sailing Team stormed through

Mar 17, 2018

Mar 16, 2018

All photos by Lloyd Images - Report & pics sebt by ESS. Official web extremesailingseries.com/. Jason Waterhouse is helming NZ Extreme Sailing Team and Pierre Le Calinche is on the Flying Frog Flying Phantom Seties.
--------------------------
--------------------------Extreme Sailing Series™ veterans and victors given a run for their money on day two of Act 1, Muscat
- Top dogs Alinghi, SAP Extreme Sailing Team and Oman Air face fierce competition from the newly formed crews
- Land Rover BAR Academy, Red Bull Sailing Team and NZ Extreme Sailing Team prove tough competition with a series of strong results from the day's six races
- Flying Phantom Series sees Team France Jeune emerge victorious once again
Series veterans and victors were given a run for their money today, Thursday 15th March, in day two of the 2018 Extreme Sailing Series™ Act 1, Muscat.

The young pros on board Land Rover BAR Academy, as well as the newly formed crews NZ Extreme Sailing Team and Red Bull Sailing Team, chased their experienced counterparts around the racecourse with tenacity.

An array of strong results from some of the new kids on the block peppered the leaderboard by the end of racing. Land Rover BAR Academy took their first race win of the season, finishing third in the two races that followed. Skipper Will Alloway was pleased with his team's results.

"The guys did a great job of powering the boat up and getting us moving, and our results improved throughout the day. We're pretty happy overall but we won't stop building on this. We want to go into the final day in a strong position."

The Kiwi challenger NZ Extreme Sailing Team also proved tough competition on the glistening Omani waters. Starting and finishing on a high, the team took second place in the first and last races of the day, demonstrating their skill, determination and potential. Australian Skipper Jason

Mar 15, 2018

AClass custom inserts vs Traditional Frames cut to build the Coastal type rowing hull to be routed next week, just like I built the RCF18 back in 2005 which was fully hand made with wood frames. Above some A-Class foil inserts I'm preparing to upgrade an A14.

Entering & learning nowadays the 3D printing realm, will use one of a friend , but already ordering one. I've been investigating a bit, and the majority of Desktop 3D printer and materials lack structural needs I look to create some working parts. But found some good solutions and think it will good, plenty of small parts to print in the A or F18, even recreational cats.

I always tercerize those delrin/nylon parts for my cats to local turner or routing guys. But as 3D printing methods & materials evolve, its is easy now to build those specific parts yourself. All this aside prototyping, small molds etc you can create with 3D printing.

For Professional services for your Sailing parts , former Tornado sailor, Will Howden is offering some structural parts printing. Check his FB web at facebook.com/3DSailing/

Edit: Just been told that Tripp Burd also works in the 3D Printer business, at Markforged, which is precisely one of the companies offering structural solutions & carbon / kevlar printing filaments.

Mar 14, 2018

Video & QA by Red Bull - Spihill returns to the AC Circus and to his former Luna Rossa Team. At Bermuda he lacked power to push further against Team New Zealand. 1 to 1 it could have be tough for Burling to overcome his drive & experience under pressure. Below QA sent by Red Bull Media.----------------------------------------------Two-time America’s Cup-winning skipper aims to bring the Auld Mug to Italy.
Australian skipper and helmsman Jimmy Spithill will be on-board Italy’s campaign for the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2021.

The two-time winner has joined Luna Rossa Challenge, a team he previously helmed to the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Finals in 2007.

Spithill first debuted in sailing’s pinnacle event at the age of 20 before enjoying back-to-back America’s Cup wins with Oracle Team USA in 2010 and then 2013 in what was one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.

The 38-year-old, a multiple world champion in fleet and match racing, is now hungrier than ever to win back the Auld Mug after losing out to Emirates Team New Zealand in 2017. Read Spithill’s first interview since the news broke:- How does it feel to reunite with Luna Rossa Challenge after you helmed them to the Louis Vuitton Cup Finals at the America’s Cup in 2007?
It’s great to be back with Luna Rossa Challenge – I have a lot of great memories from the four years we spent in Valencia during AC 32, and this time I have been impressed with the tools, technology and people they have in place. It’s a great mix of experience, new energy and enthusiasm in an open environment – the makings of a great team.

You have a vast amount of experience and, presumably, a lot of learnings that you bring to the table?
Of course as a competitor you’re always learning, and since the last race of AC 35, I’ve been thinking every day about the America’s Cup. Naturally, you go over the previous campaign piece by piece, focusing on all the key moments and decisions during the four years. Lately I’ve been able to understand how a lot of the other teams operated, and that in itself is very educational.Any conclusions?
Ultimately, two things stood out for me: trusting my instincts is key, and the hunger has only gotten stronger.

And speaking of your past experiences, your collaboration with Oracle Team USA resulted in some iconic sailing moments. When you look back at it, what comes to mind?
What an amazing ride, with some amazing people. Without Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts, there is no way I could have gotten to this point in my career. I’m fortunate to have been able to work alongside some of the most successful people in sport and business, and lucky to be able to call them good mates. I look forward to catching up with them in the future.

It’s been announced that the boat for America’s Cup 36 is an AC75 monohull. First thoughts?
The boat is going to be a beast. It reminds me of America’s Cup 34 and the AC72 foiling catamarans. Nothing like this had been done before, and this boat is on the cutting edge of technology. There are a lot of unknowns with the AC75, which will push people to the limit and really challenge all the teams involved. However, this challenge and difficulty is really appealing, and I’m really excited to be back in the game.

And what are your thoughts about moving to Italy?
Last time with Luna Rossa challenge it was the Valencia campaign and we moved straight to Spain – this time I’m looking forward to living in Italy. Personally, I’ve had a lot of success racing and competing in Italy, and lifestyle and especially the food are awesome! I love the Italian culture, the landscape and the people. I have to admit, though, that I will need to work on my Italian.

Mar 13, 2018

I'm reparing an interview with Mischa Heemskerk, including the G4 project, and just received this vid from Thijs van Riemsdijk of the the updated DNA G4.
The sailing session took place at the Markermeer – the lake was frozen over two days later so we were just in time for the ride and shooting the flights. More info on the DNA G4 updates at dnaperformancesailing.com

Mar 12, 2018

Photo by 2017 Denmark Worlds. - 2018 F18 Europeans are going to be the first major event with top Europeans teams all using Decksweeper mainsails. We've seen a good matcup at St Barts plus the Australian Nats 2018, but this will be a perfect preview of coming 2018 Worlds to be held at Sarasota.

1) Euroflex 19pts, 2) Tech2 17pts, 3) Pavement 16pts, 4) Record Point 12pts, 5) iD Intranet 11pts, 6) Kleenmaid 10pts
------------------------
------------------------February 12th - Recovery for Bruised tech2 Ahead of Explosive Tilt at Glory
(Sydney) World Champion Ayden Menzies believes his tech2 crew will savour the rest week to recover from their injury niggles before launching a final challenge for the SuperFoiler Grand Prix’s top prize – the Ben Lexcen Trophy – set to be awarded following the Expr3ss! Super Foiler Grand Final in Sydney.

“It is the Grand Final so it is going to be explosive. Sydney is our home regatta. We are really looking forward to doing it in front of a few more family and friends,” said tech2’s mainsheet Ayden Menzies.

The tech2 SuperFoiler roared into championship contention after winning the Busselton Grand Prix

Steve Brewin leads the 2018 Vic Sates Championships being held at Mc Rae Ycht Club. No wind on the first day followed by good flying conditions on the next one. Stephen Brayshaw (who published a 28.6 knots max speed on his Velocitek ) is currently second overall followed by David Brewer.

Max speed I have direct reports are around 29/30knots for an AClass , so the pros are slowly entering the +30knots range realm.
Reaching the speeds of the double handed foilers.
Here in Arg for an A-Cat we have 26.8knots as max recorded speed.

Mar 9, 2018

The Hong Kong-London record has been ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council , details at maserati.soldini.it. The platform has also re entered the yard for foiling improvements. Verdier himself explains the mods in below video: Basically they were having stalling issues on the rudders, so he will seek better control and a more rigid built. Additionally they will implement a 'kick-up'system for eventual rudders collisions but trying to keep some degree of control.

Report & main regatta schedule of the French A-Class Association sent by Thibault Laudren. Next week info on the Europeans & UK Worlds 2019 to be held at Weymotuh.----------------------------------------------

2018, year of the A Cat in France!

Spring isn’t far ahead and as temperatures rise and days extend, the French A Cat fleet is looking ahead to the start of a new sailing season. Following an intense year 2017 full of innovations and novelties with a record of 40 new members joining in, the French A Cat Association (AFCCA) committee has been working all winter to make 2018 a year to remember for the national A Cat community. A year we want to be devoted to serenity, sportsmanship and fair sailing. With these objectives in mind:

- All 2017 partners have renewed their support to the class and AFCCA
- The official AFCCA website (www.afcca.org) has new categories and features to help new comers get their boat sorted and ready for racing.
- Training camps are multiplying over France with 3 dates already scheduled in March & April.
- The sailing calendar develops with a 3rd national regatta in Eastern France, at the Lac d’Orient.
- The regional trophies have been reshaped by splitting the Med & East areas to keep emulating the regional fleets.
- Two new memberships are available, supporter & sponsor, to open the class to those who don’t have a boat but also to our foreigner neighbours who are regularly joining us on our regattas and to those who wish to donate more, to help the AFCCA do more.
- A grant of up to 500€ is available for the youngsters (under 30) to help them finance their participation to international events such as the European or World Championship.

The AFCCA is already enjoying the benefits of these with a record of 91 members who have signed up since the 1st of January, among which 11 of them are new to the class. On that basis, the threshold of 100 members should be exceeded by the end of March. A good sign proving how attractive and dynamic the class is, with members who are evenly happy to race and share their experience than to welcome and advise new comers on how to the get the most out of their boat.

The sailing begins in about 2 weeks from now, starting in Hyères on the 24th & 25th of March with La Baule and Strasbourg to follow.

Regattas will then take place on an average of one event per month per area, West, South or East, with three national highlights on the calendar that should gather between 30 and 60 boats and open to any foreigners happy to join us:

The European Criterium in Sète: 10th to 13th of May

The National Criterium at Lac d’Orient: 1st to 3rd of June

The French Nationals at Maubuisson to end the season: 24th to 27th of October

Worth noting that all regattas forming the AFCCA Calendar will be run under the double ranking system allowing both the “open” and “classic” discipline to sail together with a common start but enjoying separate rankings and prizes. This to provide fair racing, satisfy both disciplines’ interests while maintaining reasonable levels of logistics and resources for the organizing sailing clubs.

In addition, a group of French sailors is already forming and very much looking forward to taking part in the 2018 European Championship at Warnemünde, Germany, from the 7th to the 14th of July. A good opportunity to meet the worlds elite, share experiences and raise their game before returning home for the 2nd half of the season.

And before the year ends, a handful of AFCCA members will possibly travel down under to enjoy champagne sailing conditions and Aussie hospitality at the Hervey Bay Worlds from the 11th to 23rd of November.

All in all, 2018 is certainly shaping like an exciting and exhilarating season to come with plenty to enjoy and play for. May all AFCCA members and A Cat sailors make the most out of it.

Mar 7, 2018

In Hungary the Lake Racer overhauling continues. Annual Balaton Lake Rounding attracts many teams aiming to grab one of the most pretigious Blue Ribbons in Europe.
Last year the race was won by a D35.

For 2018 edition a local team will be working with Marton Balázs on upgrading a pretty reliable weapon, and one of our favorite cats, an AC45.
Below details sent by Marton on the work to be done on the plaform. Brett Ellis, top AC level Engineer will be also involved in the project as the mods include structural changes.
--------------------------
--------------------------AC45L - Lake Racer
We've been working for the RSM sailing team RSM Sailing Team with Steve Bali from Balli Racing for many years now.

Last year we did an upgrade to transform their GC32 into a light wind machine with a huge Code 0. For 2018, the team has decided to get a new boat to compete in the Balaton Lake race.

The main idea upgrade their AC45F towards a more powerful setup for light conditions for lake rounding regattas, which means even racing below 5kts of wind.

We are gong to modify its rig too with to be able to improve handling on shore and on the water too.

This upgrade includes two key elements. One is a 23mts high modulus carbon mast with a 100sqm decksweeper mainsail and a gigantic Code0.
The other is reducing the weight of the platform, re designing and rebuilding the platform for the new loads adapting its dimensions to achieve a more efficient package.

The boat will able to use straight boards and foils as well.

The design will be made by MBSDES the design division of 1D Sails, the construction will be made by Bali Racing, the sails obviously from 1D One Design Sails.